Cost Estimation/Analysis (Defence)
(Location: Canberra preferred – other locations considered case-by-case)

Who Are We?

We’re a veteran-owned, above-the-line consultancy providing a range of Defence-related skills including procurement & contract management, engineering, project management, and cybersecurity. We’re an employee-focussed company, and our team members come before the client or the bottom line. At RCD, you dictate your career and your pace — we let you steer your own development and choose the projects you work on.

Benefits in Our Team

We offer permanent or casual employment options. As a permanent employee, you’ll enjoy:

A guaranteed 40-hour work week — any additional hours you choose to work are returned as time-off-in-lieu or paid at your hourly rate

Focus on your core role — no staff supervision, no compulsory tender writing and no forced “team fun”.

Influence over the roles and capabilities you work on.

A $10,000 annual training allowance for professional development, certifications and courses.

Generous bonus leave provisions (including three extra leave days each Christmas).

A completely flat organisational structure — everyone from new entrants to 40-year veterans are equal.

Your career and salary progression being tied directly to your skills and achievements, not internal competition.

(For more information, you can view our Candidate Handbook by copying and pasting this link into your browser: https://view.genial.ly/63d430e9b57c6d00137008ea)

Essential Requirements

To be eligible to work with us you must:

Be an Australian Citizen

Hold a minimum NV1 (Negative Vetting Level 1) security clearance

Be available to work in-person at a Defence site (Canberra preferred; other locations considered on a case-by-case basis)

Have separated from the Australian Defence Force (ADF) or Australian Public Service (APS) for at least 12 months

Have demonstrated experience in a cost estimation, cost analysis or cost modelling role in the Defence environment (e.g. CASG programs or acquisition projects)

Please note: Candidates who do not meet these criteria will not be considered.

Qualifications and Experience

Tertiary qualifications in finance, accounting, business or a related field – or equivalent industry experience in lieu of formal qualifications

Strong experience developing and managing detailed project cost estimates and models in a Defence project environment

Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel for complex cost modelling and analysis (e.g. building cost models, forecasting, data analysis, use of macros); familiarity with cost estimation software or data analytics tools (such as Power BI ) is highly regarded

Strong understanding of cost estimation methodologies (analogous, parametric, bottom-up, etc.) and the ability to apply standard Defence cost estimation techniques and principles

Experience preparing budgets and cost estimates for Defence capability projects or submissions, with knowledge of Defence governance processes such as the One Defence Capability System (capability life cycle)

Demonstrated ability to review and evaluate the financial aspects of tender responses or contract proposals, including life-cycle cost analysis and value-for-money assessment

Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with keen attention to detail and accuracy in financial data

Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex cost information clearly and confidently to stakeholders and decision-makers

Experience working in Defence project environments (especially within CASG or similar organisations), with familiarity of Defence procurement frameworks and cost-related requirements being highly desirable

Common Responsibilities (these vary by seniority)

Build, maintain, and update comprehensive cost models (covering development, acquisition, sustainment, and disposal costs) to inform project planning and whole-of-life budgeting

Perform budget management and forecasting activities for projects, including support to Defence budgeting processes (e.g. Annual Budget and Additional Estimates cycles) and ongoing cost control throughout the project lifecycle

Review and analyse tender submissions from industry (contractor proposals), evaluating pricing structures, cost compliance (to tender requirements or ASDEFCON frameworks), and potential cost risks to assist in tender evaluations and selection of preferred vendors

Prepare cost and financial inputs for project business cases and Cabinet submissions (Gate 0/1/2 capability submissions), ensuring all cost data, tables and life-cycle cost analyses are accurate and well-documented

Present cost estimates and financial analysis results to project stakeholders, independent reviewers, and high-level decision committees, clearly communicating assumptions, uncertainties, and recommendations

Implement and manage cost control procedures across projects to monitor expenditures, track actuals vs. budgets, and maintain alignment with Defence financial policies and governance requirements

Produce regular cost performance reports and dashboards (monthly or as required) to update program leadership on budget status, forecasted expenditures, variances, and financial risks/opportunities

Liaise with project managers, engineers, and other functional teams to gather and validate cost data and assumptions, ensuring cost models remain current and reflective of project scope, schedule changes, and risks

Conduct cost risk and uncertainty modelling (e.g. sensitivity analysis) to quantify potential cost variances and advise on appropriate contingency provisions

Support and coordinate cost-related reviews, audits, and assurance activities, including peer reviewing cost estimates developed by other team members or contractors for accuracy and completeness

Contribute to tender and contracting processes by developing pricing models, evaluating cost elements of proposals, and providing advice on best-value procurement options

Assist in negotiations and Offer Definition Improvement Activities (ODIA) by preparing financial analysis and recommendations to inform contract discussions and decision-making

Ensure all cost estimating work meets Defence cost fidelity standards and documentation requirements (e.g. maintain Basis of Estimate documentation, assumptions logs, and evidence for audit trail)

Provide expert advice on the applicability of different cost estimating techniques at various stages of the project life cycle and recommend the most suitable approach for each phase

Develop and maintain financial management frameworks, cost estimation templates, and tools to continuously improve the accuracy and efficiency of cost estimating processes within the team or program

Mentor and guide junior analysts or project staff in cost estimation practices and tools, sharing knowledge and building capability within the cost analysis team

Collaborate with finance and project control teams to integrate cost estimates with broader program schedules, risk registers, and performance metrics for a cohesive project control approach

Stay up-to-date with Defence and industry cost estimating best practices, bringing new insights to improve cost forecasting, budgeting, and value-for-money analysis in Defence projects

How to Apply

Click “Apply” to submit your CV. We’ll review your experience and get in touch if we believe we can support you on your career journey and connect you with the right opportunities.

📩 Email: [email protected]
📞 Call Luke on 0435 235 464